This is how you play equestrian roulette, and this is what happens when you don’t put safety first!!! Believe me, it’s so much easier living in a hot, and humid climate such as Florida, to put on a pair of flip flops and go feed the horses. It’s early, it’s already 95% humidity at 6:30 in the morning, and my horses are neighing in their stalls for their breakfast.

Without thought, I quickly slip into my flip flops conveniently sitting right outside my front door and go feed my hungry boys. Furthermore, since I take my shoes off before entering my house, I find that flip flops are guaranteed to not provide evening shelter to spiders, frogs, lizards or other potential creepy-crawly insects that may have sought refuge inside my boots during the night. Who wants to stick their feet into that first thing in the AM?

At the end of my barn aisle, about 50 feet away is a 1/2 acre pond, and there lying stealthily in the grass at the water’s edge was a 6 FOOT ALLIGATOR! I’m not sure if my horse saw it first, or if I did, but after the gator saw us, he instantly submerged himself back into the water! At that exact moment, my horse too thought he should swiftly retreat from the scene. Unfortunately, my foot was in his way!

Luckily for me, it was NOT a flesh wound, nor did I break any bones! I used crushed ice throughout the week to lessen the swelling, bruising and pain. I also judiciously slathered on arnica cream to speed the healing process!

Now, when walking the boys out to their pasture’s, I am on a vigilant watch for Mr Gator. Although, I think he has left for greener pastures, (haha) there is not enough fish for his appetite in my small pond. Needless to say, yes, I am wearing protective footwear when turning out my horses. Confidence can breed complacency, but remember, SAFETY FIRST!

Florida alligator

Do you have a story like this?? Have you ever in haste done something that you know you are taking chances by not practicing proper safety?